Apple Health 2027
Washington State

Will the 2027 Apple Health changes affect me?

Starting in 2027, some adults on Apple Health will have new requirements. Follow the questions to see what you may need to do.

1

Are you between ages 19 and 64?

These requirements apply to Apple Health for Adults. If you have Medicare, they do not apply to you.

NOThese new adult requirements likely do not apply to you.
YESGo to Question 2.
2

Is your income within the Apple Health limit?

The limit depends on your household size. These are 2026 monthly limits, before taxes, and are approximate.

Household sizeMonthly income limit
1 personabout $1,835
2 peopleabout $2,490
3 peopleabout $3,140
4 peopleabout $3,795
5 peopleabout $4,450

Apple Health uses special rules to decide whose income counts as part of your household — mostly family members, not roommates.

UNDERGo to Question 3.
OVERYou may no longer qualify based on income. Contact Apple Health to check your eligibility and learn about other insurance options.
How Apple Health checks your income

Apple Health may be able to verify your income electronically. If they ask you for proof, examples include recent pay stubs, a statement from your employer, employment and wage records, tax or self-employment records, or other documents showing your current income.

Page 1 of 4 · Continue to Question 3 hca.wa.gov/ah-work-req
3

Are you medically frail, or do you qualify for another exemption?

Some people do not have to meet the new work, school, $580 income, or volunteer requirement.

What “medically frail” means

Washington counts you as medically frail if you have any of the following:

  • Blindness or a disability
  • A substance use disorder
  • A disabling mental health condition
  • A physical, intellectual, or developmental disability that makes one or more daily activities significantly harder
  • A serious or complex medical condition

A disabling mental health condition or a substance use disorder can qualify. You do not have to be unable to work to be considered medically frail.

You may also be exempt if you:

  • Are pregnant or recently gave birth
  • Care for a child under 14
  • Care for a person with a disability
  • Are American Indian or Alaska Native
  • Are in treatment for alcohol or substance use
  • Are in a household that gets SNAP or TANF
  • Have Medicare Part A or Part B
  • Were released from incarceration in the last 90 days
  • Are a veteran with a 100% disability rating
  • Are experiencing a short-term hardship

Other exemptions may apply. For the full list, visit hca.wa.gov/ah-work-req.

Important for 2027

Through 2027, you can simply tell Apple Health that you are medically frail when you apply or renew. There is a question on the Washington Healthplanfinder application for this. You do not need to send medical records with it.

Starting in 2028, Apple Health will check its records first, and may ask you for documents if it cannot confirm what you reported.

EXEMPTYou do not need to complete the 80-hour requirement. Go to Question 6.
NOT EXEMPTGo to Question 4.
Page 2 of 4 · Continue to Question 4 hca.wa.gov/ah-work-req
4

Does your household make at least $580 per month?

If yes, your income meets the new activity requirement. You do not also need to work or volunteer 80 hours.

Less than $580 per month You may still qualify for Apple Health, but you will need to meet the activity requirement another way or qualify for an exemption.
$580 to about $1,835 per month You may qualify for Apple Health based on income AND your income satisfies the new activity requirement.
More than about $1,835 per month You may be over the income limit for Apple Health.

Example figures are for a single adult. Your actual eligibility depends on your household and how Apple Health counts your income.

5

Can you meet the activity requirement another way?

For work, volunteering, community service, and work programs, the general requirement is 80 hours during a qualifying month.

Working, paid or unpaid
Going to school at least half-time
Volunteering or community service
An approved work program
A combination of qualifying activities
You can combine activities
30 hours paid work + 50 hours volunteering = 80 hours

You do not have to get all 80 hours from one activity.

If Apple Health asks you to show your hours

Apple Health will first try to verify your work or school electronically. If they need more, they may ask for pay stubs, employer records or a statement from your employer, enrollment verification or a class schedule from your school, or records from the organization where you volunteer.

Volunteer work generally needs to be structured community service through an organization. Washington is still developing the specific documentation procedures for 2027, so exact requirements may change.

Page 3 of 4 · Continue to Question 6 hca.wa.gov/ah-work-req
6

Keep your Apple Health active

Starting in 2027, many adults renew coverage every 6 months instead of once a year. American Indian and Alaska Native members keep the yearly schedule.

  • Keep your mailing address, phone number, and email current.
  • Open letters, emails, and text messages from Apple Health.
  • Complete your renewal when you receive it.
  • Send any requested documents by the deadline.
  • Ask for help if you do not understand what Apple Health is requesting.
  • Tell your therapist or our office promptly if you receive a notice that your insurance is changing or ending.

If Apple Health asks for more information, do not assume you have lost your insurance.

It often just means something could not be verified automatically. Respond by the deadline. If you believe you qualify as medically frail or for another exemption, make sure Apple Health knows when you complete your renewal. If you are unsure, contact Apple Health or Washington Healthplanfinder for help.

Please remember

These guidelines are meant to help you understand the upcoming changes. They are not a guarantee of Apple Health eligibility. Apple Health makes the final decision based on your individual circumstances. The income amounts shown are 2026 amounts and may change for 2027. Some rules for 2027 are still being finalized by Washington State.

For more information, visit hca.wa.gov/ah-work-req (work requirements) or hca.wa.gov/apply-or-renew-coverage (apply or renew). Questions about your coverage: 1-800-562-3022.

Page 4 of 4 hca.wa.gov/ah-work-req